Tamao is a very typical boy. Given his appearance and large glasses, he's often the target for a bit of bullying - usually at the hands of Shibugaki - however, despite that he still has a certain self-confidence. Not nearly as adroit as his good pal, Kenichi, can fall victim to his own desires and sometimes overestimates his abilities and bravery.
Shibugaki is your typical bully. A rich kid with parents who spoil him, he craves the attention that his classmates bestow upon his most famous classmate - Astro Boy. As with most bullies, his actions are in direct relation to his insecurities. Not truly evil, his false bravado will often cause him to make poor decisions and lead himself and others into danger.
Despite his regal-sounding name, Osama is more of a father figure than a true monarch. So, while he has been cast in roles of nobility, he's usually more comfortable in father-figure roles, such as uncles, minsters, T.V. producers, and prison wardens.
Despite his somewhat gruff exterior, Kerrigan's kind grandfatherly appearance makes him a natural to be cast in guardianship roles. He has made a career out of playing protective father figures, in a wide range of roles.
Based on an early classmate of Osamu Tezuka, Akashi is the leader of a school gang. With the entire school terrified of him, he preys on the students who are weaker and smaller than he is. However, Akashi does have a secret love of manga and eventually becomes friends with Osamu Tezuka - especially after Tezuka draws him a picture of his beautiful fantasy girl, Kumiko.
Ongoing Serial: a series of episodes, published over a span of weeks/months/years where the story plot is connected from chapter to chapter and must be read in chronological order for it to be understood properly.
Chapter Serial: a series of episodes, published over a span of weeks/months/years where the story plot is self-contained to a single chapter. There may be an overarching plot, but the stories can generally be read in any order and be understood
Book: an all-in-one self contained story published as a one-off.
Supplement: an an all-in-one self contained story published as a stand-alone supplement to a regular weekly/monthly periodical.
Short Story: an all-in-one, self contained story that was published in a regular weekly/monthly periodical
Anthology: a collection of all-in-one, self contained stories that were published in a regular weekly/monthly periodical but are generally grouped together.
